About the shoot

My extensive background as a photojournalist in China for nearly a decade played a crucial role in successfully capturing the challenging environment at one of the world’s largest copper ore mines, located in the vast and remote Gobi Desert. Tasked with documenting the site and operations alongside a writer, I was commissioned to produce a reportage-style shoot that would showcase both the scale and intensity of Rio Tinto’s operations.

Accessing the site involved a small plane ride from Ulaanbaatar to the mine’s private airstrip, followed by extensive safety training before entering the premises. This preparatory work ensured that I could safely navigate the complex logistics and conditions of the shoot.

The assignment took me through the mine’s open-pit operations as well as its underground workings, which extend over 1,000 meters below the surface. The environment proved to be one of the most difficult I’ve ever worked in. The underground heat at such depths was intense, and the constant hum of machinery created an environment where ear defenders were essential. Additionally, the mine’s underground areas were dimly lit, requiring careful planning to capture the action without proper lighting.

Despite these challenges, I relied on my photojournalistic experience to adapt quickly and creatively, capturing the raw energy and scale of the mine while maintaining a focus on the human element of the operation. The resulting images were integral in conveying the magnitude of Rio Tinto’s work in the harshest conditions, blending documentary photography with the technical rigor of industrial environments.